The MARS Centre works collaboratively with the Western Australian mining industry and acts as a hub for innovative research.
Edith Cowan University's (ECU's) Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) Centre, housed within the School of Business and Law (SBL), has showcased a suite of research-informed tools and resources that are helping shape safer, more respectful and mentally healthy workplaces across Western Australia's mining sector.
The MARS Centre, which was officially launched in mid-2023, works collaboratively with the Western Australian mining industry and acts as a hub for innovative research and knowledge sharing to enhance safety and well-being, and to bring about cultural change in the mining industry.
"The MARS Centre embodies our dedication to leading meaningful change in Australian business practices, particularly within the mining industry," SBL Executive Dean Professor Maryam Omari said.
"Through world-class research, education and future-focused initiatives, the Centre is shaping the future of healthier, more inclusive, and high-performing work environments."
The research showcase featured six of the current research projects being undertaken.
Research Outcomes
The research showcase featured six of the current research projects being undertaken by the MARS Centre, including an overview of the Better Together Platform, which is designed to help mining companies measure and improve psychosocial safety on mine sites.
The showcase also focused on the Workplace Bullying and Incivility Prevention Toolkit, the Safety BMI safety performance tool, as well as research into future proofing critical control risk management in mining, fostering rational leaderships skills in the industry, and an investigation into the effects of emerging mining technologies on psychosocial work factors within the mining industry.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock
Addressing delegates, ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock said the MARS Centre's findings should drive meaningful change across Western Australia's mining industry and carry implications with global reach.
"Mining is such a big part of who we are in Western Australia. Partnering with industry across the State means we can have a global impact, because we can be leaders in making mining a safer place for everyone," Professor Pollock said.
She explained that through close collaboration with industry to better identify, prevent and respond to psychosocial hazards, the MARS Centre is positioned to drive meaningful, global improvements in the wellbeing of people working in mining.
MARS Centre Director and Professorial Chair, Professor Tim Bentley told delegates that with the completion of the ECU City Campus in early 2026, and the relocation of the MARS Centre to that campus, researchers and industry would have greater opportunity for collaboration.
"We want to meet industry, and we want to co-design the future of work in this area," he added.
The MARS Centre showcase was attended by a number of high-profile guests, including Minister for Creative Industries; Heritage; Industrial Relations; Aged Care and Seniors; Women, Hon Simone McGurk MLA and WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North.
